December 20, 2007

“Worry about the spiritual, and God will take care of the numbers.” At least that’s Chris Hayes’ philosophy. And it seems to be working. New Prospect Baptist Church, Ashland, in Clay Baptist Association, where Hayes serves as music minister, has had a steady growth in the last several years. The congregation, which averages about 40 in attendance on Sunday mornings, baptized seven this year alone and hasn’t slowed down reaching out.

“It’s because of the church’s consistency and the pastor’s consistency in preaching,” Hayes said of New Prospect and Pastor Cleve Moore. “There’s a desire among members of the church to be a witness in the community.” The church recently got to the point where it needed more Sunday School classes and even added some new space to accommodate that need. And sister congregation Lystra Baptist Church, Ashland, in Carey Baptist Association has helped meet another need — their lack of a baptistry.

“They’ve been kind to work with us and let us use their baptismal pool,” Hayes said. “The local churches have been very good about working together up here, and that’s making all the difference.”